Removing Rear Wheel Cyclo Benelux Mk 7 Rear Derailleur

[ianb58]

I have a 1957 Raleigh Lenton with a 4 speed Cyclo Benelux rear derailleur. Everything works as it is intended and is beautiful to ride, but I have great difficulty getting the back wheel in and out due to the fixed body on the derailleur.

I assume that there is a simple trick to doing it, but I haven't managed to work it out myself yet, nor can I find any reference anywhere on the net.

I currently avoid the task wherever possible, but put it onto the smallest cog on the back and then try to manoeuvre it out when I have to, but I am worried that I am going to damage something in the process. I would hate to try and do it quickly by the roadside

As always I have difficulty in posting photos from my iPad, so there may or may not be a photo attached


Thanks

Ian

[Clydesdale Scot]

Photo not showing.
I also have challenges getting wheels out, then back in again. Each bike has a different derailleur and its own idiosyncrasies.
The advantage of the tyres I use is that punctures are remarkably rare compared to my skinnier higher pressure and lighter weight tyres on my carbon fibre bike.

[ianb58]

Thanks, Had to do it twice today - making final adjustments for the Beverley Heroic next weekend
First time came out easily, second not so.
I guess I will just have to keep persevering until I find the correct technique
(Just like with posting the photos)

[WyvernRH]

From my experience with the Mk7 and similar the body was meant to swing, not be static as in the earlier versions. Thus the limit screw on the back plate as shown on the (not very good...) photo below.



Richard

PS Really nice bike!

[ianb58]

Thanks Richard.
I will have a look and see if it should move.
The bike is a bit out of my mechanical comfort zone, but I couldn't resist
I am only the second owner, so it is very original, other than the usual consumables (and saddle which had started to tear) it looks to be as it left the factory in 1957

[ianb58]

Here' s some photos of the derailleur> it looks to have the limit screw like yours
I have tried moving it without luck, but don't want to apply any force.
It works well as it is, so I would rather just leave it alone and manoeuvre the wheel around it for the moment




Ian

[WyvernRH]

You might find this site useful, there is a whole lot of useful information about setting up Benelux gears here by people who have 'been there done that'.
http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/restoration.html

The Veteran Cycle Club Library has a heap of helpful doco for download as well.
http://veterancycleclublibrary.org.uk/l ... ction.y=16

Hope this helps,

Richard